Guide:

Where To Eat And Drink Near The Barclays Center

Unless you hate sports and music and general entertainment of all kinds, chances are good that you'll venture to the Barclays Center at some point. And while there are plenty of not-terrible food options inside the arena, you should take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Why? Because this neighborhood is full of heavy-hitting options for everything from pizza to burgers to ramen to BBQ to craft beer. If you're heading to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, these recommendations will do you just as well.

Park Slope may be stroller city, but you have those strollers to thank for luring in restaurant owners whose specialty is kid-friendly (AKA really good) food. If you're not feeling BBQ, burgers, or hot dogs, we can't really be friends, but we can direct you to excellent pizza in the area. It doesn't get more classic than Patsy's, and you can never do wrong with that plain pie.

Comfort food is the only thing that can ease the pain of your team's loss. Even better? Comfort food that won't make you feel terrible after eating it. If the Islanders or Nets lose (we know there must be die hard fans out there...), Purbird's grilled chicken, mac and cheese, and jalapeno mashed potatoes are what you need.

A tiny shop serving excellent, fancy sandwiches that don't cost more than a sandwich should. There are only about five counter seats, so this is more of a quick-bite-on-the-way kind of place. If you got stuck bringing your niece to the circus, she'll love the PB&J.

There's only one thing separating Rose's from every other upscale-ish dive bar - and that is its burger. It's also a comfortable enough space for a relaxed date or group hang, with board games in case you run out of conversation. Another plus? So far, it has stayed (relatively) clear of the stroller brigade.

If none of the aforementioned bad-for-you food options appeal, this one's for you. Sun In Bloom is a gluten-free, vegan, and raw restaurant where you can get things like "The Earth Cup" and order off a menu featuring your choice of "LIVE" options. Happy chia seed eating.

Habana Outpost is the Fort Greene location of the legendary Nolita establishment - and we're happy to report that the eats are just as good in Brooklyn. Thanks to its sprawling back patio, this place can be a total sh*tshow in the summer - but in winter, things calm down a bit. Which means it's the perfect time for you to get yourself an order of grilled corn and that perfect cuban sandwich.

If you haven't already sensed a theme, let us spell it out for you: this corner of Park Slope/Prospect Heights is home to a LOT of amazing burgers. You may not expect it from James - an excellent, slightly upscale neighborhood spot - but their burger is not to be overlooked. If you're looking for something more grown-up to eat, you can get that here too.

Chuko singlehandedly proved that ramen in Brooklyn could compete with the best of 'em in Manhattan. We're willing to make the trek for Chuko anytime, so if we're already in the area for a Barclay's outing, this is an easy win-win.

If brats and beer followed by basketball sounds like your ideal evening, you can stop reading right here. This is a mini Biergarten type place offering all kinds of German delights alongside an impressive beer menu.

If you've ever been to the Fort Greene Flea in the summer, you've probably noticed the extremely pleasant brunching happening across the street at Olea. When it's colder, you can't go wrong in one of its indoor corners full of pillows, either. If you find yourself around Barclays in the early evening, Olea has a happy hour you're going to want to get involved with.

Taking someone special out to the Justin Bieber concert? Prospect is where you should seal the deal. Though it's home to some of the fanciest food in the neighborhood, it's also very approachable. And the kicker: they take reservations.

When Threes Brewing opened up, residents of Park Slope rejoiced. FINALLY, a place that would actually convince their Williamsburg friends to come visit. If you're with a big group on a Barclay's outing, this is a mandatory stop. The food is constantly rotating and consistently good, thanks to pop up ventures from some A+ restaurants (think Roberta's, Mile End, The Meat Hook, and Battersby). And if beer isn't your thing, there's plenty of wine and liquor as well.

Don't let the exterior hell-fire paintjob intimidate you - this is one of Brooklyn's great "honky tonk" dives. It's been around since the 1930's, and today it's your best option in the area for getting a little weird.